Eric Boggs
With winter workouts in full swing at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, Ohio State football is already gearing up for another championship-caliber season. As the Buckeyes reload and refine their roster, several players are emerging as key names to watch in spring practice. Whether it’s due to buzz from the coaching staff, media discussions, or insider reports, these four Buckeyes—two on offense and two on defense—are primed to make a significant impact in 2025.
Mylan Graham – Wide Receiver
The Ohio State wide receiver room is stacked, as always, but one name to keep an eye on is redshirt freshman Mylan Graham. The former five-star recruit out of Indiana arrived in Columbus last summer, unlike fellow freshman standout Jeremiah Smith, who had the advantage of enrolling early. As a result, Graham had a quieter first year, logging only 16 snaps. However, as he enters his second season with a full offseason under his belt, Graham is expected to push for more playing time.
With Emeka Egbuka moving on, Brandon Inniss appears to be the favorite to step into that third starting receiver role behind Smith and Carnell Tate. But Graham could challenge for that spot or, at the very least, cement himself as a key rotational player in Brian Hartline’s offense. Hartline himself has praised Graham’s growth, calling him “the real deal.” If Bryson Rodgers, another talented receiver, decides to explore the transfer portal again, Graham’s role could expand even further.
Josh Padilla – Offensive Line
Ohio State’s offensive line is one of the biggest question marks heading into the 2025 season, but the Buckeyes finally have solid depth in the trenches. One of the most intriguing names to watch this spring is center Josh Padilla. The redshirt freshman had only 38 snaps last year but is now being talked about as a legitimate contender for the starting center role.
The question is whether Padilla’s emergence could lead to a shake-up along the interior offensive line. Carson Hinzman, last year’s starting center, might be a candidate to slide to left guard if Padilla wins the starting job. If that happens, Hinzman would join a competitive group that includes Luke Montgomery, Tegra Tshabola, and Austin Siereveld. Ohio State’s philosophy under Ryan Day has been to get the best five offensive linemen on the field, and Padilla could be a key piece in making that happen.
Arvell Reese – Linebacker
Defensively, Ohio State’s linebacker corps will look different in 2025, with Cody Simon’s departure leaving a significant vacancy. Enter Arvell Reese, a rising sophomore who played 307 snaps last year and is widely expected to be the front-runner for the starting role alongside returning star Sonny Styles.
Reese has the physical tools to be an elite linebacker, and his experience from last season should help him hit the ground running. C.J. Hicks is another player to watch at the position, though his future role remains uncertain. Hicks could stay at linebacker or transition to a pass-rushing edge role, where his athleticism could be maximized. If Hicks does move to the defensive line, Reese’s path to a full-time starting job becomes even clearer. Additionally, redshirt freshmen Peyton Pierce and Garrett Stover are waiting in the wings, but Reese appears to be the clear favorite heading into spring camp.
Aaron Scott Jr. – Cornerback
The Buckeyes’ secondary is stacked with talent, but one of the biggest battles this offseason will be at cornerback. With Denzel Burke off to the NFL, the competition for the second outside corner spot will be fierce. David Igbenosin and Jermaine Matthews Jr. are expected to start, but true sophomore Aaron Scott Jr. is making a strong case to be a major contributor.
Scott played just 74 snaps last season, but his talent is undeniable. Some believe he could push for a starting role or, at the very least, become the team’s go-to nickel corner. One wild card in the mix is incoming freshman Devin Sanchez, who has been compared to Jeremiah Smith as a generational talent on the defensive side of the ball. However, expecting a freshman to start immediately is a tall order. If Scott continues his development, he could solidify himself as the next great Ohio State corner.
Final Thoughts
As Ohio State eyes another run at the College Football Playoff, these four players—Mylan Graham, Josh Padilla, Arvell Reese, and Aaron Scott Jr.—are key names to monitor. Their development could help determine whether the Buckeyes field a championship-caliber roster in 2025.
Buckeye Nation, who do you have your eye on? Will all four of these players start against Texas in the season opener at the Shoe? Let us know your thoughts as we gear up for another exciting season of Ohio State football.
